Nick Hurd attended an event organised by Volunteering England to say thank you to all the volunteers in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.

Nick, who as Minister for Civil Society is responsible for volunteering, said:

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who gives their time for the benefit of our community.

“Volunteering is a good way of getting involved and making a difference in local communities. The work of volunteers often goes unnoticed and that is why Volunteers Week is a great way to recognise and celebrate the work of those who are helping to improve our society.

“We have entered a new era of people power at the centre of the new Government and volunteering is a key part of this. Big Society is all about empowering local people and communities to bring about the changes they know their community needs.”

The event was organised by Volunteering England, the volunteer development charity, to mark the end of national Volunteers’ Week, which runs from the 1 to 7 June each year. Volunteers from a number of organisations were on hand to share their stories with MPs, including the Cadets, the National Trust, Timebank, Youthnet and BTCV.

Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:

“I am pleased to see that so many MPs recognise the importance of volunteering and have taken the time to come here and thank the volunteers in their local communities. The country faces many challenges in the current economic climate and volunteering will have a central role to play in ensuring that we emerge stronger and more resilient.”

Volunteering England co-ordinates Volunteers Week in England; the Week celebrates the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, whilst inspiring others to get involved too. More information about the Week can be found at www.volunteersweek.org.uk.

The Government announced yesterday that local councils and communities are being given immediate powers to stop the destructive practice of ‘garden grabbing’ in their area. Minister for Decentralisation, Greg Clark MP, set out new plans that will see a change in the classification of garden land out of the Brownfield category enabling local councils to prevent unwanted development and protect the character of neighbourhoods.

For too long the wishes of local people across the country have been ignored and gardens have been destroyed, robbing communities of vital green space and endangering the environment.

In 2007 Nick Hurd MP launched a campaign to ‘Stop the Garden Grab’ and presented a petition to parliament signed by more than 1,800 residents across Ruislip and Northwood, who felt powerless to stop inappropriate and unpopular developments in the area.

Nick Hurd said:
“Having campaigned in the last Parliament to “Stop the Garden Grab”, I am delighted that the Government is going to give us more power to protect green spaces. I am sure this will be welcomed by many residents who have been concerned about overdevelopment in the area. “